God Speaking

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” – Philippians 2:5

The story of the birth of the church in the book of Acts begins with a dramatic outpouring of the Holy Spirit and as we read this exciting story we are amazed to read the effect this has on the disciples. We see Peter transformed from an unschooled fisherman to a powerful orator, but it is not only his eloquence that impresses the crowd, Peter’s attitude is so different his listeners search for an explanation.

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realised that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” – Acts 4:13

The telling phrase in this verse, “these men had been with Jesus” is the only explanation their listeners could grasp. “Spending time with Jesus” and the infilling of the Holy Spirit had brought about this remarkable change in attitude.

All of us at some time in our lives have had a struggle with attitude. We may have been programmed by circumstances to have a negative attitude to certain situations. We may have assumed an attitude of cynicism when a contentious topic arises. We may have cultivated an attitude of indifference to protect ourselves from being hurt in close relationships. We have read lately how an aggressive attitude of a few can stir a crowd to riot.

On the other hand an appealing attitude can work wonders in our lives. I have a dear friend who struggles with a chronic disease, but her attitude towards her infliction is always positive. She refuses to be defined by her disease and consequently does not let it control her attitude so she is a pleasure to be with and her reward in doing so is a host of friends who enjoy her company.

So how can we strive to have an attitude the same as Jesus?

In the epistle to the Ephesians, Paul tells us it is possible to change that wrong mind set so it has no influence over us. We can be rid of that negative attitude which clouds our wellbeing. We can banish cynicism and become more open minded. We can exhibit a positive attitude within our family/ our work place/ our church. We can develop a caring attitude towards those who we would normally brush off. Our whole attitude to life can change.

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds” – Ephesians 4:22, 23

I love this anonymous quote I read recently;

“Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching?”

When others are able to note we “have been with Jesus” by our attitude, it will certainly be worth catching.